There was a question from one of the emails I received about Nonconformance Report or NCR. I don’t want to mention the name of a person but what I’m gonna do is to answer it, so everyone should know and you might have the same question as this one.
The crucial thing of having an NCR is that the client might withhold a percentage of money from your billing or contract prize if it will not immediately close. So this will put you always in an alert position and try to avoid the occurrence of such intimidating terms.
I know that we can’t avoid Non-conformance or nonconformity in the construction site but we can literally reduce the numbers if we really apply the quality system and procedures and it is stipulated in the project quality plan of the project.
Now, to extend your knowledge about non-conformance report, here are the questions that I received that are truly worth answering.
1. When is the best timing to raise NCR?
Whether you are a consultant or a quality engineer it could have the same answer to this question. Well, in fact, there is no “timings” on when you will raise a non-conformance report. Nonconformance can happen anytime and can be found at no time-bound because this is simply non-complying to the requirements.
Once a requirement has not been followed then that time a non-conformance can be served to the contractor or subcontractor.
An example of this is “the opening of the door is not as per the drawing” and you found that it is not really complying with the requirement on the drawing then an NCR can then be issued.
2. How to avoid issuing NCR?
There is always nonconformance in each construction and it couldn’t be avoided, perhaps it can only be reduced. It exists because of many possible reasons.
Let’s give an example. The drawing of a column layout is not updated and the construction site operation is unaware that there is a new revision of the drawing. What is being applied on the site is the superseded one then an eventual result will be a nonconformance. To prevent that to happen the quality control engineer will withdraw all of the unstamped or uncontrolled drawings being taken or used with the site crews on site.
3. In what manner is the NCR to be rendered?
If the certain element is identified as nonconforming to the requirements from either specification and approved drawing the quality engineer shall take the documentary photos as evidence and highlight the location onto the drawing. The nonconformance shall be submitted by the quality engineer to the document controller in order to register it to a log.
The document controller shall then send the original copy of the NCR to the responsible stakeholder or subcontractor. If you are a consultant you’ll advise the DC to send it to the main contractor.
In addition to how to avoid nonconformance, the quality engineer shall conduct training to the subcontractor or construction team and disseminate the proper implementation of the works and the compliance of work from the approved method statement. A periodical internal audit will be conducted to ensure the internal quality system or procedures are followed.
The document controlling procedure shall be properly and spiritually implemented to prevent the so-called nonconformance from the occurrence.
If you enjoyed reading this post, you can share this with your favorite social networks below.
What is Non-conformance?
Non-conformance is a variated work completed on site against the approved drawing or against project specification. If the material delivered or used is not as per the approved material approval request or material submittal then it's called non-conformance.
What is Non-conformance Report?
It is a quality management document that used to write a non-conformance. It has the location, date and time.
Who Issues Nonconformance?
Non-conformance can be issued by the QAQC Engineer of the main contractor and a representative of the Engineer in the project consultant.
Who Receives Nonconformance Report?
It is the construction team receives the non-conformance report.
sir,
can you show to me the right fixing of rebars at corners of water tank.
thank you.
Can a subcontractor issue an NCR to the main contractor for not complying with the schedule or agreement?
No. You can send a letter instead.
Sir,Thank You very much for the very helpful and informative topic..Keep up the Good work and more power to your Blog…
Welcome and thanks for coming here keep commenting.
Very informative,thAnks Noel keep up the good work.
Thank you Suzan.
Sir. Good evening
I am Lijo, Working as a civil Quality Engr.
I need a Method Statement for Fire Proofing paint .
Applying materials is structural steel.
We will useed for Intumesnt and cementitious.
I will publish an ebook about that just watch for it.
Sir, I am Vinayak I’m working in HVAC field. I am working as a project engineer. I want to know about QA/QC about HVAC field.
Thank you Sir for the NCR issues.
Sir,the explanation regarding the NCR is very informative and advantage while dealing with QAQC activities.
Thank you.
Comment on Issuance of NCR
On my observations and experience, most of the field QC-QA personnel particularly in the construction sector are enjoying issuance of NCR, seem only as a quota of performance, without really knowing the importance and consequences on quality cost. A nonconformity identified and analyzed as minor (non-threatening) which can be effectively corrected immediately can be designated and recorded in a minor class NCR form (color yellow). A repetitive (2x) of the same type of minor nonconformity shall be tagged as Major and a Major NCR form be issued and corrective action process be applied in which case create cost impact in general. A weekly review of quality data showcasing it’s alarming cost and root causes be immediately and effectively communicated to concern team. The power of NCR business is to demand a committed effective action (corrective or preventative) in order to win quality profits and defeat the cost of quality. A repetitive nonconformity is a stupidity which directly suggests that the organization’s current quality culture, if not effectively manage, could surely bankrupt its operating business.
Fernando Sofio
Doha,Qatar
Wow…you really explained it well sir noel…thank you for this useful information regarding NCR issuance and how to prevent or reduce it…
We just want to share to our fellow quality engineers about the NCR and I will be writing more about that please stick around and watch for it. Thanks.